Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) initiative is working to place computers into the hands of underprivileged children and their families across Tennessee.  C4K has implemented the first phase of the initiative under the Department of Children’s Services and the second phase under the Department of Human services.  C4K has made significant progress in working with the agencies to derive data and identify recipients within each agency.

The second phase of the project, currently underway, will put brand new laptop computers into the hands of 200+ eligible children in the foster care system. The target recipients are children at the end of their 9th grade year of school who meet specified behavioral and academic expectations.  Expansion of the program is being discussed with the Department of Children’s Services that will identify and benefit many more recipients.

A third phase will include distribution to children in families exiting the Department of Human Services Families First program that meet similar requirements. Families First provides temporary financial support to families who have children and are experiencing financial difficulties by emphasizing work, training and personal responsibility.